Bayern to subsidise tickets for Champions League clash with Arsenal

Bayern Munich's coach, Pep Guardiola talks to team players during a training session at Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence in Doha January 8, 2014. Bayern Munich is in Qatar for a week-long training camp before the beginning of the new season of the German Bundesliga after the winter break.

Bayern Munich will subsidise fans who buy tickets for their Champions League first leg tie away to Arsenal, where prices are higher than in Germany.

The European champions said that their fans would pay only €45 to watch the round of 16 match in London instead of the roughly €75 charged by the Premier League club.

Bayern said the decision, which would cost the club €90,000, was a sign of gratitude to its fans and demonstrated the importance to the team of having a vocal backing at all games.

"Bayern has thrilled the world of European football not only by the outstanding performance and consistency of its team, but also by the fantastic and vocal support of its fans," the club said in a statement.

"It's particularly noteworthy that a large number of Bayern fans support the team not only at the high points but also at every away game.

"It should be clear to everyone that this loyalty involves a great deal of time and expenses... Bayern have therefore decided to subsidise the tickets for the away game at Arsenal.

"This is intended to represent a small thank you for the great support of the followers in the past calendar year 2013."

Bayern charge home fans between €15 for a standing place and €70 for the most expensive seats at home matches in the Bundesliga.

Ticket prices for the home tie against Arsenal range from €35 to €100. Tickets for away fans are at the lower end of the price range.